How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. order spare key for car 's a sinking sensation that can leave you feeling panicked and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member will have a spare key that can give you access to your vehicle. If not, you'll need to call a locksmith or a towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family member or friend
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere, and we accidentally close the car door without thinking. Other times it happens when we are distracted, for example, when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brains don't seem to be able to focus. It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even more frustrating when you don't have an extra key. It can be incredibly stressful however the good thing is that there are effective methods to regain access.
Call your family member or a friend. This will give them a heads-up that you're in trouble and they might be able to provide an extra key. If they aren't, at least they will be able to assist you with other tools to open your car. You can make use of items such as an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous, such as if an elderly person, a child or anyone else's security is in danger. You can call 911 and they will send an emergency team to your location to either break the window or unlock the door using a slim jim.
Unless the situation is dangerous It is better to seek assistance from family or friends before attempting to unlock your car. This is because DIY methods can cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or end the warranty. It is important to remember that these methods might not work with the latest vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
Consider buying an extra car key to stop this from repeating itself. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or costly for a high-end fob. Either way, they will save you lots of stress in the near future! You can also put them in a spot where they are easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Call an expert locksmith
You're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some point. If you were in a rush or simply distracted, it's an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize that the door has shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this scenario Keep a spare at your home, at work, or in your bag for your gym. Many people buy a keychain is attached to their purse or wallet in case they lose their keys. You'll always have an extra key on hand and don't have to worry about calling roadside assistance or breaking into your car.
If you don't have a spare, it is recommended to contact an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your car without damaging the lock, and can even make new keys on the spot. They will also offer tips on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get a locksmith sent to you promptly and at a low cost. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your vehicle in a hurry however, they may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are many DIY options to open your car without a key. They include using a shoelace or wire hook. These methods are risky, time-consuming, and are more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is essential to remain calm and use these tricks only as a last option. If you have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of a highway, it's important to call 911 immediately. The police will be able to help you, or they can call a towing service to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to call a towing service. A majority of these companies can open your car without damaging the door lock. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan ensure that the number is set into your phone or you know it in order to easily reach them. They might even offer to assist you for no cost. Alternatively, you can also contact the police non-emergency line and explain the issue. They can give you tips on how to get in your car and will send an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car particularly if you're in a danger zone. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be risky and you must check your surroundings before asking for help. Check all the windows and doors if you're not sure what to do to unlock your vehicle. You may have left a window that was slightly open. This may let you gain access.
Another alternative is to break into your car using tools like a slim jim. However, this is not recommended and can damage the locks on your car. It is also important to remember that most insurance policies do not cover the costs of these repairs therefore, you must be careful before using any type of tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key handy. You can keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic key holder and then attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people keep a spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friends so that they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to see whether they can help. The majority of dealers can give you temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. Be prepared for evidence of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure location. This makes it less likely you'll get locked out. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your car. You can also leave one with a nearby family member or friend who might be able to assist you in a hurry. You may also want to think about having your vehicle's identification number, also known as VIN, written on a piece paper in the glove box to help you quickly contact the owner of your vehicle to call you if you're locked out of the vehicle.
You can contact roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have an extra. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a half hour or so, according to Moody. Others, such as AAA will send a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside assistance will depend on the membership level you have and the coverage plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to open your car without calling roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should only be used as a last resort.
Call emergency services only in the event of immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are on a busy road, or are in a hazardous area, then call emergency services. The police will typically unlock a car for free, but it's recommended to not do this and instead find a different method of getting back into the vehicle. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance it will likely cover your costs, but check the conditions of your policy to be sure. If not, you'll be required to pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside service.